How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to tarot, one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) steps is choosing your very first tarot deck. With so many beautiful options out there, you might wonder: Which tarot deck is right for me?
The truth is, the best tarot deck is the one that resonates with your intuition, your learning style, and your energy. Let’s break down the key things you should consider when selecting your first tarot deck.
🌙 1. Start with a Beginner-Friendly Deck
While there are thousands of gorgeous tarot decks on the market, some are easier for beginners to learn with. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is the most recommended for beginners because:
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It has clear, symbolic imagery.
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Most tarot books and courses use it as a reference.
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It’s easy to connect the cards with traditional meanings.
If the artwork speaks to you, Rider-Waite is a solid first choice.
Here’s the extra paragraph you can drop into the article (ideally after the “Beginner-Friendly Deck” section):
🗝️ Recommended Beginner Deck: Tarot of the 78 Doors
If you’re looking for a unique yet beginner-friendly option, the Tarot of the 78 Doors is a fantastic choice. Each card uses the symbolism of doors opening and closing to represent opportunities, challenges, and life lessons — making it especially intuitive for new readers. The imagery is clear, easy to interpret, and connects beautifully with everyday experiences.
👉 Check it out here on Amazon: Tarot of the 78 Doors
Perfect! Here are 3 more beginner-friendly tarot deck recommendations with affiliate links you can add after the Tarot of the 78 Doors section. This will make your article feel like a curated shopping guide:
🌟 Other Great Beginner Tarot Decks
✨ Rider-Waite Tarot Deck – The classic and most widely used tarot deck in the world. Almost every beginner course and book uses Rider-Waite imagery, making it the easiest to learn with.
👉 Shop Rider-Waite Tarot on Amazon
✨ Modern Witch Tarot Deck – A vibrant, inclusive, and modern take on the Rider-Waite system. Perfect for beginners who want fresh, relatable imagery while still sticking to traditional symbolism.
👉 Shop Modern Witch Tarot on Amazon
✨ Everyday Tarot Mini Deck – Compact and beginner-friendly with simplified yet stylish illustrations. Great for carrying in your bag or practicing on the go.
👉 Shop Everyday Tarot Mini on Amazon
🔮 2. Pay Attention to the Artwork
Tarot is a visual language. You’ll spend hours interpreting the images, so it’s important to pick a deck where the artwork resonates with you.
Ask yourself:
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Do the illustrations inspire me?
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Can I imagine telling a story with these cards?
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Do the colors, symbols, and overall mood feel inviting?
Remember, your tarot deck should feel like a companion, not just a tool.
✨ 3. Decide Between Tarot vs. Oracle
While they’re often grouped together, tarot decks and oracle decks are different:
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Tarot = 78 cards, structured (Major & Minor Arcana), more rules.
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Oracle = Any number of cards, flexible meanings, intuitive reading style.
If you want to learn traditional tarot reading, start with a tarot deck. But if you want something more free-flowing, an oracle deck could be a good first step.
🌟 4. Trust Your Intuition
The most important rule? Pick the deck that calls to you.
You don’t need permission from anyone to choose your own deck (yes, it’s a myth that someone else must gift it to you).
If you feel a spark when you see a deck online or in a shop, that’s your sign.
🧘 5. Practical Considerations
Before buying, think about:
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Card size — Smaller decks are easier for shuffling.
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Durability — Beginners should look for sturdy cardstock.
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Budget — Tarot decks range from $20 to $60+, so find one within your comfort zone.
🎓 Learn Tarot the Easy Way
Choosing your first deck is just the beginning — the real magic starts when you learn how to read the cards with confidence.
That’s why I created the 1-Hour Express Tarot Course for Beginners. In just one hour, you’ll learn the basics of tarot, easy spreads, and how to start reading for yourself or friends.
👉 Perfect for anyone who just bought their first tarot deck!
✨ Final Thoughts
Your first tarot deck will always be special, so take your time choosing one that truly speaks to you. Remember — there’s no “wrong” deck. Whether you go classic with Rider-Waite or pick something modern and colorful, the best tarot deck is the one that helps you connect with your intuition.
Once you’ve got your deck, practice, explore, and don’t be afraid to grow alongside it.